Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:30 Meet up @Hotel Tokyu
    • 2. 09:45 From Tameike-Sanno to Tsukiji by Tokyo Metro
    • 3. 10:15 @Tsukiji Hongwanji
    • 4. 10:30 @Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 5. 11:20 @Hamarikyu
    • 6. 12:40 Walk to Higashi-Ginza
    • 7. 13:00 To Asakusa via Toei Asakusa Line
    • 8. 13:40 @Asakusa (Nakamise)
    • 9. 14:00 Lunch @Asadori
    • 10.15:00 @Asakusa (Senso-ji, Asakusa Shrine, Rokku, Shin-Nakamise)
    • 11. 15:45 Disband@Asakusa

    What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Because it was extremely hot, I asked in advance whether walking would be manageable, and they said it would be fine, so we set off. However, as I had expected, after walking from the outer Tsukiji market to Hamarikyu, one of the guests reached their limit. We rested in the shade, and after leaving Hamarikyu, they caught a taxi back to the hotel. As a countermeasure against the heat, I offered small courtesies such as handing out frozen cooling packs, having them dampen the Japanese tenugui cloths I had given as souvenirs to wear around their necks, and stopping at air-conditioned retail shops along the way, which they appreciated. Overall, I believe the guests were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTameike-Sanno~Tsukiji178JPY
    Section 2SubwayHigashi-Ginza~Asakusa220JPY
    Total398JPY

    Hi, I’m May, your guide in Tokyo. Welcome to Japan!
    I have been grown up in Tokyo and working here for more than 45 years, so I’m sure I can share the best attraction of Tokyo with you, such as food, cultural and historic sites, sub-culture, shopping, and nightlife.
    Besides the tour guide, I have been working for a travel agent for more than 30 years, I can advise you the travel plan of not only in Tokyo but all over Japan.
    I had lots of guests from all over the world here in Tokyo, and most of them gave me great and wonderful review.
    I’m sure I can meet all of your demand and expectations, and am ready to welcome you to Japan with the best “Omotenashi” mind, or hospitality.

    Jul 16, 2026
    fernandorM8865OM
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Fuji Five Lakes Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    Memorable day
    We had a great time. Our guide Meiji…

    Jul 11, 2026
    912courtneyp
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great family guide
    May was a great tour guide.…

    Jun 27, 2026
    LPMarchica
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    10/10 Recommend
    We had an incredible time exploring Tokyo with our guide,…

    Jun 11, 2026
    Alisha_W
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    May was an enthusiastic…
    May was an enthusiastic and well informed guide.…

  • Tokyo: Toyosu Market Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple

    Tokyo: Toyosu Market Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 4:50 Meet at hotel
    • 5:30-6:00 Toyosu Market Tuna Auction
    • 6:00-6:30 Breakfast
    • 6:45-7:30 Tsukiji Market
    • 7:30-8:00 Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple

    What Is a Private Early-Morning Tsukiji and Sushi Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Because we arrived at the Hotel early, we departed at 4:50. Since the guests and I had waited in line at a sushi restaurant for an hour last time, after talking it over we decided to wrap up the auction viewing a little earlier this time. At breakfast, a Japanese guest seated next to us kindly offered a beer and took photos with us, which made for a wonderful memory. The sushi was as satisfying as always. By the time we reached Tsukiji, everyone was full, so we only had some sweets. Since we had time today, we finished the tour by visiting Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, where we purified ourselves together at the water basin before offering our prayers, and then parted ways.

    Hello , my name is Isao.
    I like cooking and eating while drinking wine and listening to the rock music sometime classical music, too.
    I am a tour guide mainly around Tokyo. I have experience as an E-bike tour guide( Imperial palace, Tokyo station, Asakusa, Sumida river, Ningyocho, Odaiba area, Tsukishima Monja street ) and a food tour. I like to eat local Japanese food and drink many kind of alcohol.
    Besides Tokyo, I also recommend Kamakura and Kawagoe where I was borne.
    I will do my best to help you make good memories of Japan.
    I am looking forward to meeting you soon.

    May 21, 2026
    Anne_A
    Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable tour of the local markets and…

    May 18, 2026
    Olivia_H
    Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    An unforgettable Tokyo food and culture experience…

    May 7, 2026
    Susan C
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Highly recommended tuna auction tour
    Iseo…

    Oct 25, 2025
    TravelYes8
    Highly recommended the Toyosu Tuna Auction tour with Isao!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 07:30 Hotel Meet
    • 09:00 Miyajima
    • 11:30 Lunch
    • 13:00 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 14:30 Atomic Bomb Dome – Dismissal

    What Is a Private Hiroshima Peace Memorial Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe. They walked around with visible tattoos, but at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, when they came out of the first exhibition hall, their expressions looked as though they had broken down in tears. People's appearances differ depending on many factors, but I realized that what is inside a person can be very different from how they look on the outside. Being a guide allows me to witness so many different sides of human nature, and I truly felt glad to have become a guide. At the time of parting, I received unexpected words of gratitude, which moved me deeply as well.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusIn front of the Broadcasting Hall~Nishi-Hiroshima Station220JPY
    Section 2TrainNishi-Hiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi Station330JPY
    Section 3TrainMiyajimaguchi Station~Hiroshima Peace Park220JPY
    Total770JPY

    Originally, I’m a cycling guide doing cycling tours all over Japan.
    But, already done Hiroshima & Miyajima tour more than 400 times.
    I traveled many countries in my younger days. I traveled Europe, US, China, India, US, Mexico, Peru Australia, NZ, and so on.
    I decided to use this experience to become a guide.
    I’m afraid but no tipping required, because cycling guides are not allowed to have tipping in my association. And you do not need to pay for my lunch, because my lunch is prepared by our group.
    Please do not hesitate to ask me anything, I’ll change the plan according to your requests.
    Thank you for your understanding and please stay connected.

    Jun 1, 2026
    John_W
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    A top day with a top guide
    My wife…

    May 27, 2026
    Annabelle_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima in a day
    Yuji was a great communicator…

    May 12, 2026
    satishp656
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    HIROSHIMA HALF DAY TOUR
    Yuji is a warm, knowledgeble…

    May 10, 2026
    StephanieB6076
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Incredible Experience
    We had an incredible experience visiting Hiroshima…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet up @Conrad Tokyo
    • 2. 10:10 @Shiodome (in front of Nippon TV)
    • 3. 11:15 @Asakusa (Nakamise-dori cafe, Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Sumida Park)
    • 4. 13:00 Lunch @Sanji
    • 5. 14:45 @Rikugien Garden
    • 6. 16:20 @Yanaka Ginza
    • 7. 17:40 Disband @Conrad Tokyo

    Title: What Is a Relaxed Two-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Rikugien and Yanaka Ginza The guests were senior visitors from Europe. One of them had visited Japan before for work for a few days but had not done any sightseeing, while for the other it was a first visit to Japan. The guests have traveled all over the world, including Asia. This trip was a Tokyo visit using the time before boarding a cruise ship. Originally the plan had been for a group of four, but the others were unable to join, so it became a tour for the remaining guests. Even so, the itinerary proceeded exactly as originally planned, and this was the first day of a plan to explore their desired destinations in Tokyo over two days. Since they were of an age that called for care, I made a point of walking slowly to match their actual pace. It took more time than with a typical tour, but at their request we included one taxi ride partway through (from Rikugien to Yanaka Ginza). From a psychological point of view, this allowed them to spend the time in a relaxed way without feeling rushed by the schedule. Interested in gardening, one of the guests was especially full of admiration at Rikugien. Right there, the guests happily discussed ideas for the garden at their own home. We also had a tempura lunch in Asakusa, which suited the dietary preferences of the guests, and they were delighted, saying it was very delicious.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassToei Subway Asakusa Line Shimbashi Station~Asakusa Station900JPY
    Section 2TrainTokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station~Kanda Station0JPY
    Section 3TrainJR Yamanote Line Kanda Station~Komagome Station178JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Sendagi Station~Ginza Line Shimbashi Station0JPY
    Total1,078JPY

    Hello, I’m Noripy.
    I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!

    Jul 3, 2026
    Jody D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Yokohama
    Best Post cruise tour ever
    It was…

    June 19, 2026
    Alec T
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo in 4 hours
    Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Hema_R
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely experience. My…
    Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady…

    Jun 3, 2026
    Sara B
    Tokyo walking tour with Noripy. A+!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Noripy gave a 5/5 tour!…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Screen & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto in One Day: Screen & Nijo Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:00 The Screen
    • 08:40-09:20 Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 09:40-10:10 Fushimi Inari
    • 10:30-11:00 Sanjusangendo
    • 11:20-11:40 Gion Walk
    • 11:40-12:40 Lunch (Kyoto Cuisine Izutsu)
    • 13:10-13:40 Nijo Castle
    • 14:00 The Screen

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report from Japan Guide Agency The guests were visitors from North America. They had very intelligent and gentle personalities, and communication beforehand was smooth, making them very easy guests to work with. The itinerary was: Hotel → Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, and Kiyomizu-dera → Fushimi Inari → Sanjusangendo → a walk through Gion → lunch (a Kyoto cuisine restaurant) → Nijo Castle → Hotel. Along with the beautiful and magnificent scenery of the tourist spots, I heard much praise for Japanese society. For example, they admired how efficient and comfortable the railway system is, how polite and kind people are, and how the modern and the traditional coexist and harmonize. In contrast, they mentioned only lamentable things about their own society, to the point that it was a little difficult for me to respond. For lunch, they ordered sukiyaki and shabu-shabu, both of which were new experiences for them, and they enjoyed them very much. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainJingu-Marutamachi~Gion-Shijo230JPY
    Section 2TrainShichijo~Gion-Shijo170JPY
    Section 3TrainGion-Shijo~Sanjo170JPY
    Section 4SubwaySanjo-Keihan~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Total790JPY

    My name is Masaki Kitagawa, a male in the middle of 50s living in Kyoto with my wife, son and three cats. While working for a local energy company on weekdays, I’ve been a tour guide on weekends since 2019 and enjoy interacting with people coming from different worlds. It is my great pleasure to help you make your excursion time-efficient and pleasant even during the high seasons in Kyoto. Considering your interests, preferences and priorities, I want to design and make your journey fruitful one. I’m thrilled to be contacted from you. Let’s explore Kyoto !

    Jun 3, 2026
    Nikki G
    Wonderful experience with a great guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Masaki was our guide through…

    May 24, 2026
    Pamela_C
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Perfect day in Kyoto with the best guide!…

    May 4, 2026
    TravelersHigh77
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent English speaking guide for Kyoto
    Masaki was s wonderful and patient…

    Nov 29, 2025
    vsairamkumar
    Kyoto guided tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had great fun exploring Kyoto with Masaki San.…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Gion area

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Gion area

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:45 Meet @ Hotel
    • 13:00-13:35 Travel by taxi
    • 13:40-14:30 Sightseeing at Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 14:47-14:55 Fushimi Inari → Kiyomizu-Gojo, Keihan 220 yen
    • 15:20-16:20 Sightseeing at Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 16:30-16:55 Sightseeing in the Gion area
    • 17:00 Disband @ Hotel

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera The guests were a group visiting from Europe. The Keihan train line had suspended service due to an accident, and since it looked like it would take more than an hour to resume, we quickly switched to a taxi to reach Fushimi Inari. By the time we finished sightseeing there, service had resumed, so we were able to travel to Kiyomizu-Gojo as planned. The guests were very interested in topics such as the differences between Shinto and Buddhism. After visiting Kiyomizu-dera, they were more interested in Gion than in Yasaka Shrine, so I told them the location of the geisha district museum, guided them along Hanamikoji, and saw them off at their hotel. It seems they went on their own the following day and even enjoyed a performance.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainFushimi Inari~Kiyomizu-Gojo220JPY
    Total220JPY

    Hello! I am Andy Murao. I love this job as I can visit various destinations with the people from all over the world. I am always thinking that I could help you know more about Japan and understand the attractiveness of Japan.

    I would like to provide a tour in accordance with your request and preference. Please let me know what you want to see, eat, experience, etc. and then I will propose a schedule based on them.

    There is one point to note. I like walking very much, so I might be a guide who forces you to take long walks.

    I look forward to attending you in Japan.

    Best regards,

    Andy Murao

    Jul 13, 2026
    webstere2025
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent
    Andy(Atsushi) was great and communicated with us beforehand about our…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Catherine_D
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in Osaka
    Andy was great . On time and patience…

    Jun 6, 2026
    eyeessess
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour!
    Andy Murao was an amazing and wonderful tour guide.…

    Jun 5, 2026
    Janice_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 9hr Private Tour (Kobe Dep. ) with Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Kyoto
    It was a good tour…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Himeji Station & Koko-en

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Himeji Station & Koko-en

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:40-9:00 Himeji Station→Himeji Port 310 yen Shinki Bus
    • 9:30 Meet up @Himeji Port
    • 9:45- Himeji Port→Otemae-dori 310 yen Shinki Bus
    • 10:20-11:40 Himeji Castle sightseeing
    • 12:00-12:40 Koko-en sightseeing
    • 13:00-13:40 Lunch @Tsukemen Tomi
    • 14:30 Disband @Himeji Station North Exit bus stop (See off customers as they board the bus)

    What Is a Private Himeji Castle Tour from the Cruise Port Like? A Licensed Guide's Report A group of guests visiting from North America arrived by cruise ship, and we met at the pier at Himeji Port. Since the passenger shuttle bus cost 20 dollars, we walked a short distance and took a local route bus from the ferry terminal instead. The guests were very interested when I explained that Himeji Castle is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Japan, that it is one of the twelve surviving original castle keeps, and that during World War II local residents covered it to protect it from air raids. After strolling through Koko-en Garden, I took them to a tsukemen (dipping noodle) restaurant, where they said, "Let's eat together," and treated me to the meal.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusJR Himeji Station North Exit~Himeji Port310JPY
    Section 2BusHimeji Port~Otemae-dori310JPY
    Total620JPY

    Hello! I am Andy Murao. I love this job as I can visit various destinations with the people from all over the world. I am always thinking that I could help you know more about Japan and understand the attractiveness of Japan.

    I would like to provide a tour in accordance with your request and preference. Please let me know what you want to see, eat, experience, etc. and then I will propose a schedule based on them.

    There is one point to note. I like walking very much, so I might be a guide who forces you to take long walks.

    I look forward to attending you in Japan.

    Best regards,

    Andy Murao

    Jul 13, 2026
    webstere2025
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent
    Andy(Atsushi) was great and communicated with us beforehand about our…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Catherine_D
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in Osaka
    Andy was great . On time and patience…

    Jun 6, 2026
    eyeessess
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour!
    Andy Murao was an amazing and wonderful tour guide.…

    Jun 5, 2026
    Janice_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 9hr Private Tour (Kobe Dep. ) with Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Kyoto
    It was a good tour…

  • Wakayama in One Day: Saizenin by Koyasan bus

    Wakayama in One Day: Saizenin by Koyasan bus

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:50       Meet at Koyasan Station
    • 10:56~10:15 Move to Saizenin by Koyasan bus
    • 10:45~12:00 Stay at the Garan
    • 12:05~12:15 Move to Miyama by Koyasan bus
    • 12:20~13:10 Lunch (Miyama)
    • 13:15~13:25 Move to Okunoin-mae by Koyasan bus
    • 13:25~14:40 Stay at Okunoin
    • 14:40~15:00 Move to Senjuinbashi by Koyasan bus
    • 15:10~16:00 Stay at Kongobuji
    • 16:00~16:15 Move to Saizenin while guiding through the Garan
    • 16:15       Disband at Saizenin

    What Is a Private Koyasan Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests had originally been interested, through an intermediary agency, in incorporating a walk along a traditional pilgrimage path into the tour, but since they were coming from Osaka and were especially tired after visiting USJ, they requested less walking and preferred sightseeing within Koyasan. We therefore took the short course of Okunoin, along with Kongobuji Temple and a brief look at the Danjo Garan complex. They mentioned that finishing by a little after 4:00 would be fine, and since checking in at the first location, Saizen-in, took some time, we ended up with just barely enough time. Because they had also signed up for a night tour of Okunoin, we followed a course that could be enjoyed during the daytime. They enjoyed seeing the newer corporate graves and monuments. They also enjoyed strolling through the natural setting surrounded by ancient trees, remarking on how fresh the air was and how pleasant it felt. They poured water over the Mizumuke Jizo statues and offered incense and candles in front of the mausoleum, experiencing these customs just as Japanese visitors do. At Kongobuji Temple, they said they were glad to have seen the old temple buildings, the sliding-door paintings, the Banryutei rock garden, and the temple kitchen. As for the Danjo Garan, I only gave a brief explanation on the way to Saizen-in and did not have enough time to explain it fully, but since it seemed better for them to be able to relax today, I tried not to cram in too much. They said that if they felt up to it the next morning, they would explore on their own.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKoyasan Station~Kondo-mae410JPY
    Section 2BusKongobuji-mae~Tamagawa-dori160JPY
    Section 3BusTamagawa-dori~Okunoin-mae160JPY
    Section 4BusOkunoin-mae~Senjuinbashi270JPY
    Total1,000JPY

    Hi! I’m an official English guide in Wakayama prefecture. I’m also a national guide as well. I’d like to expand my guide area to help tourists.
    The town of Osaka offers a different atmosphere than Tokyo. I like both exciting Osaka and nature-filled Wakayama Prefecture.
    If you stay in Osaka for 3 days, you can go to Koyasan for one day, or even for a day trip, so I recommend sightseeing at Koyasan.
    If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the big city, the nature of Koyasan will relax you.
    I will introduce you to the unique culture, history and must-see sights.

    Jun 23, 2026
    Shelley_E
    Viator review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    There is much to do in…
    There is much to…

    May 28, 2026
    Duncan_R
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Great Tour of Kyoto
    The tour was both very informative and…

    May 28, 2026
    ignaciosilenzi
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Koyasan with Miyuki
    Miyuki was…

    May 23, 2026
    189mirjamf
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Grandioser Einblick in eine fremde Kultur
    Sehr nette und…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 12:30 Meet up @ Rihga Gran Kyoto
    • 2. 13:30 Kinkaku-ji Temple tour
    • 3. 15:00 Nishiki Market tour
    • 4. 16:30 Tatsumi Shrine area tour
    • 5. 17:00 Hanamikoji area tour
    • 6. 18:00 Dismissal @ Kyoto Station

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kinkaku-ji, Nishiki Market, and Gion The tour began at 12:30 with a meet-up at the hotel, where I met a group of guests from North America. We first discussed the day's plan, and decided to visit Kinkaku-ji, Nishiki Market, the Gion area, and Fushimi Inari. We took the subway and a city bus to reach Kinkaku-ji as scheduled, where I explained about Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and the historical background of Kinkaku-ji before viewing the temple. In front of the golden, shining Kinkaku-ji, the guests took many commemorative photos, and after explaining several other points of interest, we finished our visit there. We then took a bus to our next destination, Nishiki Market, but due to heavy crowds and traffic congestion, it took more time than expected. We walked through the crowded Nishiki Market, which continues from Shijo Takakura, and the guests enjoyed the market while sampling a few bites along the way. However, at the corner where Teramachi Street turns into Yanagi Street, one of the guests caught a foot on the concrete edge and fell, scraping a knee. It did not appear to be a broken bone or a sprain, so together with the tour leader we purchased ointment for the abrasion and a bandage at the nearest pharmacy and applied first aid. Fortunately, it did not turn into a serious injury, and we were able to continue sightseeing afterward. From Teramachi we walked to Tatsumi Shrine, where I explained about maiko and geiko, and then moved to Hanamikoji Street so the guests could enjoy the atmosphere of the Gion area. At this point the guests began to look tired, and on the way to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha via the Keihan train, due to fatigue and a 6:30 dinner appointment, they requested to cut the sightseeing short and return to the hotel. So we quickly transferred from Keihan Tanbabashi to the Kintetsu Line and headed to Kyoto Station. The guests offered to return to the hotel on their own from Kyoto Station and suggested ending the guiding there, so we parted ways at that point. The guests were cheerful and cracked jokes throughout the tour, but it was unfortunate that one of them was injured, and with walking fatigue setting in, we could not complete the full itinerary.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto Station~Kitaoji Bus Terminal Station260JPY
    Section 2BusKitaoji Bus Terminal Station~Kinkaku-ji-mae Station230JPY
    Section 3BusKinkaku-ji-michi Station~Shijo Takakura Station230JPY
    Section 4TrainGion-Shijo Station~Tanbabashi Station280JPY
    Section 5TrainTanbabashi Station~Kyoto Station240JPY
    Total1,240JPY

    After a rather long teaching experience at Japanese college, I converted my career about 6 years ago into working as a tour guide for the tourists visiting Japan.
    As my career overseas, I’ve been in the UN and the Japanese Embassy, all in the USA, totaling more than 6 years.
    And then I had made a big change in my career from a diplomat to an academic researcher. For that career to achieve, I studied abroad and won a doctorate degree in linguistics from Indiana University and landed a teaching position at college in Japan.
    With all these interesting and exciting experiences I’ve made myself ready to enrich your tour and make it both enjoyable and worthwhile.

    Apr 26, 2026
    39ferdinandr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Exceptional and entertaining
    Great tour better the tour guide Toshi.

    Apr 9, 2026
    X1429XKclaudiam
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sehr zu empfehlen
    Wir haben als Familie diese 6-stundige Tour durch Kyoto…

    Jun 28, 2025
    WilliamAlfonso_R
    Toshi is a very eloquent, knowledgeable, and diligent tour guide.
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshi was…

    May 30, 2025
    Z
    ZevP5
    Best Tour Guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the best guide!! He was so…

  • Nara in One Day: Kofukuji Temple & Todaiji's Nandaimon

    Nara in One Day: Kofukuji Temple & Todaiji’s Nandaimon

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Ryokan Asukasou (Start of tour)
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 11:10-40 Kofukuji Temple
    •     (Ms noticed she lost her smartphone and went back to the hotel to look for it, which took some time)
    • walk 10 minutes
    • 12:00-20 Ukimido in Sagi-ike pond
    • walk 10 minutes
    • 12:30-13:00 Kaon (a cafe, next to the National Treasure Hall)
    • 13:20-50 Kasuga-taisha Shrine Main Hall
    • 14:00-30 Lunch at Mizuya Chaya
    • walk 7 minutes
    • 14:40 at the foot of Wakakusayama Hill: former katana sword manufacturer's shop
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 14:40-15:10 Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 15:20 Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 15:40-16:20 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 16:30 Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate)
    • walk 15 minutes
    • 17:10 End of the tour at the bottom of the Fifty-two Steps (close to Ryokan Asukasou)

    Title: What Is a Private Nara Day Tour Like for a Family with Young Kids? A Licensed Guide's Report The guide had established exceptionally thorough communication with the group in advance. The group's requests were clearly expressed, and expectations were well aligned before the tour day. On the morning of the tour, the guests had some difficulty making their own way from Osaka to the hotel in Nara, which made for a hectic start. Throughout the day, however, the younger members of the group were in great spirits, playing with the deer. A stroller, which the guide had specifically requested the group bring along, proved very useful during moments of sleepiness. The guests were visitors from Asia. It was wonderful to learn that the names within the group still carry Sanskrit vocabulary shared by Buddhism and Hinduism, kept alive in everyday use today. It really was a fun, lively tour. Since the previous day's Osaka tour had not gone as smoothly for the group, the guests seemed to enjoy today's Nara experience all the more. A four-hour Osaka tour at dusk with young ones in tow must have been quite demanding for that guide.

    Hello! Thank you for choosing Nara! I bet you’ll love Nara. I specialize in Nara because Nara is the unique place where in one day you can cover the history and religions of Japan from the ancient times to the post war era while enjoying rambling in the UNESCO World Heritage park, having communication with lovely deer, surrounded with the beautiful nature.
    I grew up in Nara, went university in Kyoto, enjoyed teaching at high schools and a university in Osaka. The three former capitals of Japan are home to me.
    After retiring from teaching I began guiding so that I can meet various people from various corners of the world with a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Each time I guide, I find it hugely rewarding because I learn a lot from my guests sharing the history, culture and all that I know about Nara, Kyoto and Osaka.
    I used to be a marathon runner, mountain climber and skier though I am not much of them anymore.
    What I especially recommend is to stay in Nara a couple of days and enjoy communicating with friendly deer while visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nara in early morning, temples and shrines at night are well worth experiencing.

    May 16, 2026
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